adversarial

British  

/ ˌædvɜːˈsɛərɪəl /

adjective

1. pertaining to or characterized by antagonism and conflict

2. US term: adversary.  having or involving opposing parties or interests in a legal contest

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Explanation

Anything that's adversarial is full of intense disagreement and conflict. If you had an adversarial relationship with your sister, it would be extremely difficult to share a bedroom with her. Adversarial exchanges between countries don't bode well — they often lead to more intense conflicts, or possibly even war. Being adversarial means that each side is antagonistic, sharply opposed to the other, or locked into a deeply divided rivalry. In fact, this adjective is sometimes used simply to mean "hostile." Your adversary is your enemy or competitor, and both words stem from the Latin adversus, "turned against."

Example Sentences

Discovery — and inverted the entire meaning of that tradition to mark the adversarial relationship between the press and power.

From Salon • Jun. 1, 2026

The company justified the move, saying that it wanted to ensure its images were not used "by adversarial actors to target allied and Nato-partner personnel and civilians".

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

There is “a generation of people whose path to upward mobility and sophistication lies in embracing this adversarial culture,” Mr. Salam says.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Martinez said he would provide oversight agencies only the information he is legally required to provide, but doesn’t believe an adversarial relationship between the Civilian Oversight Commission and the department is beneficial to either side.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Many of the professors used the Socratic method—direct, repetitive, and adversarial questioning—which had the incidental effect of humiliating unprepared students.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Related Words

• antagonistic